Using the Lasso Tool

If the lines or shapes you want to select are located close to other lines, you may have difficulty selecting just the items you want with a rectangle. The lasso tool lets you create an irregularly shaped selection outline.

To select elements with the lasso tool:

1.

In the Toolbox, select the lasso tool (or press L on the keyboard) (Figure 3.9).

Figure 3.9. Use the Lasso tool to select an irregular area.

2.

Click and draw a freeform line around the elements you want to select (Figure 3.10).

Figure 3.10. The lasso tool lets you select elements that are oddly shaped or too near other elements to allow use of the selection rectangle (top). Whatever falls within the area you outline with the lasso becomes highlighted and selected when you release the mouse button.

3.

Close the selection outline by bringing the lasso pointer back over the point where you began the selection line.

4.

Release the mouse button.

Flash highlights whatever falls inside the shape you drew with the lasso.